# Aggie One Stop

**Source**: https://aggie.tamu.edu/financial-aid/apply-for-aid/verification
**Parent**: https://aggie.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/international-student-scholarships

# Verification

Some FAFSA®s are selected for a process called verification. If your FAFSA® has been selected for verification, you are not alone. An estimated 30% of FAFSA® filers are selected for the verification process. In this process, schools collect documentation from applicants to check the accuracy of FAFSA® information. If chosen for verification, documents will be requested through the Financial Aid Portal, which can be accessed through [Howdy](https://howdy.tamu.edu/). Please do not submit any documents to our office that are not specifically requested.\
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## [What happens during verification?](#a-whathappensduringverification-1DwTQM)

During verification, the school compares the information provided on the FAFSA® with the documents submitted to the office. If there are any differences between the FAFSA® and the submitted documents, corrections will be made by our office and sent to the United States Department of Education.\
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It normally takes 5-7 business days for verification to be completed once all documents are submitted to and processed in our office. The process may take longer during peak processing times.\
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Your financial aid eligibility could change because of corrections made during verification. If your eligibility changes, your financial aid awards will be adjusted and you will receive a revised award letter or notification via email or postal mail.

## [What documentation do I need to submit?](#a-whatdocumentationdoineedtosubmit-j8qg3k)

The documents required will vary for each student. Forms and requests will be listed in your Financial Aid Portal.

To see what needs to be submitted:

1. Visit [Howdy](http://howdy.tamu.edu/)
2. Search for Financial Aid Portal and click on the link
3. Select the appropriate Academic Year and click on the Status link

## [Why use the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) when completing the FAFSA®?](#a-whyusetheirsdirectdataexchangeddxwhencompletingthefafsa-_x8avK)

The IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) is:

- Easy: Transfers info with the click of a button
- Fast: Instantly retrieves your information
- Accurate: Correctly fills in data fields
- Reduces amount of documents needing to be submitted to our office.\
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### How does DDX work?

The Direct Data Exchange allows tax information to come directly from the IRS to the Department of Education. The FAFSA® contributors need to provide consent to release their information on the FAFSA®.

1. Contributors must actively choose to utilize the direct data exchange tool.
2. When you choose to do so, you will be transferred to the Internal Revenue Service website.
3. Authentication of identity will be required before any personal information is displayed.
   - When entering your address, it is essential that you input your address exactly as it appeared on your tax return.

Note: If the Link to IRS option does not appear then the student/parent is not eligible to use the DDX tool.

### What information does the IRS DDX retrieve?

The IRS DDX retrieves the following information, as applicable:

- Adjusted Gross Income
- U.S. Income Tax Paid

- Untaxed Portions of IRA Distributions

- Untaxed Portions of Pensions
- IRA Deductions and Payments
- Tax Exempt Interest Income
- Education credits

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## [How do I get an IRS Tax Return Transcript?](#a-howdoigetanirstaxreturntranscript-57EDSX)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency responsible for processing U.S Tax Returns. Once the Tax Return is filed with the IRS they are responsible for furnishing customers with a Tax Return Transcript. If for any reason you cannot use IRS Direct Data Exchange, you can request a tax return transcript using Get Transcript at [irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript](https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript).

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Please ensure you request the correct document. The Tax Return Transcript should look like the example below.

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The table below provides the IRS processing times from the time a Tax Return is submitted to the time customers can request a Tax Return transcript or have DDX as an available option. Based on the situation of the tax return filer and whether the tax return is filed electronically or manually the processing times will vary.\
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| **Tax Return Filer** | **Tax Return Filed Electronically** | **Tax Return Filed Manually** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Has no amount owed to the IRS or has an expected refund at the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS. | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS when the tax return is received by the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 6 - 8 weeks after the tax return has been accepted by the IRS. |
| Has an amount owed to the IRS and makes a full payment on that amount at the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS. | IRS will process the tax return in June. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS. |
| Has an amount owed and subsequent to submitting their tax return to the IRS, pays the full amount due | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been accepted by the IRS. | IRS will process the tax return in June. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS. |
| At the time their tax return was submitted to the IRS, has an amount owed and has not paid in full. | Generally, tax returns are accepted by the IRS within a day or two of the return having been electronically filed with the IRS. However, IRS will not process the return until May. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the return has been processed in May. | IRS will process the tax return in June. In most cases, IRS DDX is available and an IRS Tax Return Transcript may be requested within 2-3 weeks after the tax return has been processed by the IRS. |

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Keep in mind that an amended return or identity theft will delay access to tax information. When an amended return is involved, it generally takes an additional 12 weeks for the tax information to be available. If identity theft occurs, access to this information generally occurs 8-11 weeks after the IRS has received the tax return information; however, resolution of IRS-related identity theft can take up to 180 days.\
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The IRS continues to encourage that tax transcripts be requested via the [IRS website](http://www.irs.gov/) or by mail. As a reminder, if the taxpayer uses the Form 4506-T to send the tax transcript to a third party, such as a school, the delivery address needs to be very specific.

## [Additional Documentation](#a-additionaldocumentation-iwOM4f)

Other documents could be requested due to federal requirements during the verification process or after verification has been completed. Remember to always check your Financial Aid portal for the status of your financial aid account and to view any requested documents.

You may be required to submit additional documentation even though you have not been selected for verification. These documents may include but are not limited to;

- Citizenship/eligible non-citizen status
- Veteran status
- High school completion
- Documentation of independent student status\
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If requested, please submit the documents immediately to avoid delaying your financial aid. You may submit documents via your Financial Aid Portal by:

1. Visiting [Howdy](https://howdy.tamu.edu/uPortal/normal/render.uP)
2. Search for Financial Aid Portal and click the link to the portal

## [How can I submit requested documentation?](#a-howcanisubmitrequesteddocumentation-eVi55M)

In an effort to protect your confidential and personally identifiable information (i.e. social security number, tax information), we are unable to accept emailed documents to our office. You should write your UIN on all documents and upload the documents through your Financial Aid Portal.

## [What if I don't finish verification?](#a-whatifidontfinishverification--qNuO5)

Once selected for verification, your financial aid account is considered incomplete until all required documentation is submitted and processed. You may experience delays in financial aid awarding or disbursement of your aid until your verification is complete.\
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If you are selected for verification after you have received your financial aid offers, you will be given a deadline to complete the verification process. Failure to meet that deadline can result in financial aid cancellation and you may be required to repay any previously awarded aid.\
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Please [contact our office](https://aggie.tamu.edu/resources/contact-us) immediately if you experience any issues with verification or have additional questions about the process.

##### Verification

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